Andy Whitfield’s Wife on His Death: “He’s a Beautiful Young Warrior” (Photos)

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” star Andy Whitfield died in the arms of his loving wife at the age of 39 on Sunday, 11 September 2011, after 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer.

“He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.” Whitfield’s wife Vashti said in a statement.

The Wales-born actor began gaining international fame with his lead role as legendary Thracian slave in “Spartacus” and appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season that was aired one year ago.

He was also featured on Australian TV shows inlcluding “McLeod's Daughters” and “Packed To the Rafters”.

Andy Whitfield has two children, a son Jesse, 6, and a three-year-old daughter with wife Vashti

Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement Sunday night that: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield. We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in 'Spartacus' and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life.”

Andy Whitfield passed away on Sunday in Sydney, Australia from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leaving his wife, two kids and a sister

Andy and Vashti Whitfield attend the 2008 Movie Extra FilmInk Awards at the State Theatre on March 12, 2008 in Sydney

After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Andy Whitfield had immediately undergone a cancer treatment in New Zealand. Unfortunately, his health grew worse in January. While waiting for his expected recovery, the network Starz produced a six-part prequel, “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” which is aired earlier this year with only a brief voiceover from the actor.

Andy Whitfield’s filming career began taking off thanks to his lead role as the legendary Thracian slave in “Spartacus”

Andy Whitfield discovered his cancer while shooting the second season of the US series “Spartacus” in New Zealand. He was then replaced by actor Liam McIntyre

“Obviously, Andy Whitfield left an indelible mark on all of us in the “Spartacus” family, his costar Lucy Lawless said in an statement